Leona Frances West

Leona Frances West, 89 of the Fort Sumner valley passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Farwell Convalescent Center, Farwell, Texas following an illness.
She was born April 19, 1932 in Tucumcari, NM to the home of Kenneth Clyde and Danlea Harriet (Whitaker) Whinnery. In June of 1935 the Whinnery family moved to Fort Sumner when her father, Clyde Whinnery purchased interest in the Fort Sumner Lumber Company.
Leona attended Fort Sumner Schools, graduating with the Class of 1950. On June 21, 1950, shortly after graduation Leona married her high school sweetheart, James Wallace “Jake” West.
Leona worked at the soda fountain at Howe Drug Store, she later worked for Mr. Withers at the Telegraph Office, and served two years as Deputy Treasurer for De Baca County. For over 32 years, from 1959-1992 Leona drove a school bus for Fort Sumner Schools, and at times drove two routes every morning and evening. She loved her bus driving job and always encouraged the kids to do their best. Over the years, several of these kids have recalled her encouragement and returned to thank her.
Leona was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church where she was a member of Aquila & Priscilla Sunday School Class. She taught Sunday School for many years. She was a past member of Merry Homemakers, De Baca County Extension Club, Fort Sumner Women’s Club, participated in a Needle Point Group, she served for two years as president of the Fort Sumner P.T.A.
For over 50 years, Leona and Jake farmed watermelons, cantaloupe and pumpkins. They grew many specialty melons and participated at growers’ markets in Santa Fe and Los Alamos for over 30 years. They donated melons and pumpkins to schools and charities throughout the state. They were also anonymous gifts left at the doorsteps of many families and friends.
Leona enjoyed reading, studying her bible, quilting, needle point and word puzzles. She and Jake regularly attended Fort Sumner Schools sporting events and were recognized for their sport attendance by the Fort Sumner Schools.
Leona is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, James “Jake” West; on March 03, 2013, a brother Clyde Whinnery Jr. and a sister-in-law Willene Spitz Whinnery.
Survivors include a daughter Jana Gray and husband Bill of Clovis; sons, David James West of Fort Sumner, Kenneth Lane West of Fort Sumner, Alan Cecil West and wife Mary Claire of Fort Sumner, Terry Ross West and wife Patricia of Chandler, TX; sister Mary Ann Krieger and her husband Gene of Houston, TX; brother Jimmy Whinnery of Big Piney, WY; grandchildren, Joslyn Hazard and husband Patrick of Grapevine, TX, Ashley Cook and husband John of Fort Sumner and Jameson West and wife Sarah of Spring, TX; great-grandchildren Alexandra West, Khloe West, Gavin Fisher, Ryan Fisher, Isla Bryn Hazard, Sean Hazard and Grant Hazard, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Visitation hours for family and friends were held Monday, June 28, 2021 at the Chavez Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Jim Peabody and Rev. Steve Baldock officiating. Interment followed in the family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Casket bearers included Bill Krieger, Jameson West, Ryan Fisher, Bill Gray, John Cook, Tim Sweet, Quinten Wilson and Tommy Irwin. Honorary bearers included Mary Ann and Gene Krieger, Jimmy Whinnery, Don and Lula Sweet, Leslie and Glenda Armstrong, Ed and Arla Hitson, First Baptist Church Senior Deacons and her Sunday School Class.
To place an online tribute, share a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311.